Your Black Star formed in Louisville, KY, during the winter of 2001 around vocalist/guitarist Jeremy Johnson and drummer Andrew Osborn. They released Grateful Nation in 2003 through Iron Compass Records, the same year that the two welcomed bassist Kevin Ratterman (ex-Elliott) into their ranks. A split with Japan's Drum:Kan followed in the fall of 2004 before Ratterman exited early the next year to pursue other interests. Brandon Duggins was recruited as his replacement as Your Black Star's first full-length, Sound from the Ground, was issued overseas. The rock troupe played the 2005 and 2006 SXSW festivals, the latter one preceding tour dates home and abroad that included shows with VHS or Beta and the New Pornographers. The atmospheric and lush rock of Sound from the Ground, which was said to simultaneously evoke elements of the Cure, early U2, and the Jesus and Mary Chain, was finally issued in the United States on Wonkavision in October 2006. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi